Welterweight boxer Chris Van Heerden fears his girlfriend, Ksenia Karelina, will be locked up for fifteen years in a Russian penal colony.
Ksenia was arrested after arriving in Russia last February, her former home, after being accused of donating to the Ukrainian war fund. The neighbors have been at loggerheads in battle since 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Karelina admitted the charge and now faces the full force of Russian law as prosecutors label the donation as treasonous. The amateur ballerina – who holds US citizenship, has been in a relationship with Van Heerden, who also moved to America to pursue his career. The pair had been dating until Ksenia’s trip to Russia.
Upon arrival, Russia’s Federal Security Service [FSB] alleged that Karelina’s donation “was subsequently used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces” and put the 33-year-old in prison, where she awaited trial.
The culmination of that stay is expected this week when a final verdict is revealed.
‼️ Update ‼️ #FreeKsenia pic.twitter.com/AEvp5EUqGu
— Chris van Heerden (@TheHeat001) August 8, 2024
Van Heerden is obviously worried the worst might happen.
“So the prosecutor has asked the judge to sentence Ksenia to fifteen years,” the South African updated on social media. “That is what they are calling for. That is what they are asking for.
“The judge has not made a decision yet. The judge will make a final decision on the 15th of August. This is ridiculous. They keep playing games, is what I feel. It’s upsetting and nerve-wracking, but I can’t imagine what Ksenia is going through. I cannot, for the life of me, put myself in her shoes. But there was no final verdict today [August 8]. Let’s keep praying.”
Since moving to the United States, ‘The Heat’ has shared the ring with high-profile opponents, including Errol Spence Jr. and Jaron Ennis. However, Van Heerden hasn’t fought in two years after losing to Conor Benn in 2022.
Benn’s career is currently in doubt following failed drug tests. This situation has made Van Heerden question his stoppage loss in Manchester, England.
At 37 and with another fight on his hands against the Russian sentencing of his partner, it’s unknown whether Van Heerden will ever return to the ring as he fights for justice for Ksenia.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
